Diesel Crunch: A Hidden Price Tag for the Fall Midterms

Diesel prices are climbing faster than gasoline due to Iran-related supply disruptions, Russia issues, and refining bottlenecks, with inventories near record lows ahead of the fall season. The surge hits rural economies—farmers and trucking—before spreading to suburban and urban areas, potentially shaping voting behavior in red states ahead of the midterms. The White House is pressing refiners for relief, while economists warn inflation could worsen and a downturn could be the fastest way to lower prices.